Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Oil prices rose slightly in Asian trade on Friday but are set for a muted weekly finish as concerns over slowing U.S. demand and rising supply weighed on the market. Brent crude futures for November inched up 0.1% to $67.53 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 0.1% to $63.31. Both benchmarks gained around 1% for the week, reflecting mixed signals on global demand and supply outlook.
A stronger U.S. dollar—rebounding from three-year lows despite the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates—limited oil’s upside. The Fed signaled further rate cuts ahead, which could support long-term demand, but markets remained cautious as the U.S. labor market showed signs of cooling. Seasonal weakness in fuel consumption during the winter also raised doubts about sustained demand.
Geopolitical risks added volatility, with tensions between Russia and Ukraine fueling speculation about potential supply disruptions. However, optimism was tempered by fresh inventory data showing a sharp rise in U.S. distillate stockpiles, raising fears of weaker consumption.
On the supply side, Kazakhstan resumed exports through the Baku-Tbilsi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline after resolving contamination issues. This key route boosts Kazakhstan’s ability to export oil independently of Russia. Meanwhile, Nigeria lifted emergency rule in Rivers State, a vital oil hub previously plagued by militant attacks on pipelines. The move is expected to stabilize production and exports.
Market attention also turned to possible U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil and its buyers, after President Donald Trump acknowledged difficulties in ceasefire negotiations. Traders are balancing risks of disrupted supply against concerns of oversupply in coming quarters.
Overall, crude prices remain rangebound as investors weigh slowing U.S. demand, rising inventories, stronger dollar pressures, and shifting global supply dynamics.
